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abujagirl
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Maj.-Gen. Ahmed Mohammed, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, on Thursday called for cordial military-media relations in the fight against insurgency.
Mohammed, represented by Brig.-Gen. Okon Udoh, Chief of Staff at the 7 Division, made the call at a workshop on military-media relations.
The workshop was organised for newsmen in Maiduguri by the Defence Headquarters and Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
He said that the role of the media in both government and the larger society was very important.
Mohammed said that the media did not only play a critical role in reporting events but also monitored the activities of institutions, the military inclusive, to protect the lives of citizens.
"Both the military and the media have the constitutional role of protecting the citizens, and defending the national constitution. It does seem logical, therefore, that they should work together for national interest by complementing each other’s interest,’’ he said.
Mohammed said that the military was doing everything possible within its power to execute its missions in a possible way.
On her part, Dr Fatima Akilu, Director of Strategic Communication in the office of the NSA, urged media workers to avoid speculation and exaggeration in reporting terrorism.
Akilu said that the media should also try as much as possible to report information from identified official spokespersons.
She said that in reporting conflict, there had to be synergy among those reporting the conflict and those trying to keep the nation safe.
"We thought we should come together and dialogue on understanding the constraints the media has and how to better inform them.''
Earlier, Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said that the essence of the workshop was to interact with journalists in Maiduguri and convey the appreciation of the strategic headquarters.
Olukolade said that the workshop was also organised to appreciate the journalists and acknowledge the unique circumstances in which they have had to manage to do their job.
"The terrorism we face in Nigeria at the moment has been acknowledged as unique, unusual and peculiar to our country. We want to appreciate the understanding that the media here in Maiduguri have expressed so far in the conduct of their affairs.
"For those on ground, we appreciate the fact that despite the situation, you have been able to stay on ground to do your job.
Olukolade said that the level of understanding and patriotism received from the media had been helpful and supportive.
"We believe that this forum will give you a better understanding to do your work. You need to take into cognizance the factors that are necessary in the interest of our country and those that are necessary in the discharge of your duty as information manager.''
Mohammed, represented by Brig.-Gen. Okon Udoh, Chief of Staff at the 7 Division, made the call at a workshop on military-media relations.
The workshop was organised for newsmen in Maiduguri by the Defence Headquarters and Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
He said that the role of the media in both government and the larger society was very important.
Mohammed said that the media did not only play a critical role in reporting events but also monitored the activities of institutions, the military inclusive, to protect the lives of citizens.
"Both the military and the media have the constitutional role of protecting the citizens, and defending the national constitution. It does seem logical, therefore, that they should work together for national interest by complementing each other’s interest,’’ he said.
Mohammed said that the military was doing everything possible within its power to execute its missions in a possible way.
On her part, Dr Fatima Akilu, Director of Strategic Communication in the office of the NSA, urged media workers to avoid speculation and exaggeration in reporting terrorism.
Akilu said that the media should also try as much as possible to report information from identified official spokespersons.
She said that in reporting conflict, there had to be synergy among those reporting the conflict and those trying to keep the nation safe.
"We thought we should come together and dialogue on understanding the constraints the media has and how to better inform them.''
Earlier, Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said that the essence of the workshop was to interact with journalists in Maiduguri and convey the appreciation of the strategic headquarters.
Olukolade said that the workshop was also organised to appreciate the journalists and acknowledge the unique circumstances in which they have had to manage to do their job.
"The terrorism we face in Nigeria at the moment has been acknowledged as unique, unusual and peculiar to our country. We want to appreciate the understanding that the media here in Maiduguri have expressed so far in the conduct of their affairs.
"For those on ground, we appreciate the fact that despite the situation, you have been able to stay on ground to do your job.
Olukolade said that the level of understanding and patriotism received from the media had been helpful and supportive.
"We believe that this forum will give you a better understanding to do your work. You need to take into cognizance the factors that are necessary in the interest of our country and those that are necessary in the discharge of your duty as information manager.''